ROYAL NAVY SEA KING HC4

The Sea King HC4 commando helicopter has, for many years, given outstanding service in support of Royal Marines deployments the world over, whether engaged in cold-weather training in Arctic climes or on operations in theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The HC4, which started entering service in 1979 and fought in the Falklands campaign three years later, has been subject to numerous upgrades in recent years including the fitment of new rotor blades. However, the transition of the Commando Helicopter Force from the Sea King to the fleet of Merlins being handed over by the RAF means that the venerable 'Junglies' have little time in service left. The HC4 attending RIAT 2015 will be provided by 848 Naval Air Squadron, stationed at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.